LANSING ? Former Bay City Public Service Director Michael Cecchini is being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today.?

The Department alleges that while off-duty and at his personal residence, Cecchini, 56, of Bay City, used his badge to confront three teenagers who were riding rented Bird Scooters in an apartment parking lot. Cecchini threatened the riders with physical violence and arrest before hitting one of the youths in his lower chest area with the butt of the flashlight he was carrying.? A verbal altercation between the two continued until police were called to the scene.? One of the teens recorded most of the incident on a personal cell phone.??

?No one is above the law, and members of law enforcement should not expect special treatment when they abuse their authority,? said Nessel.?

Cecchini announced his retirement on October 2, 2022 amid the assault allegations. He will be arraigned on January 26, 2023 at the 74th District Court.?

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Please note:? A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.? The Department does not provide booking photos.?